Construction is ongoing for the Texas Department of Transportation’s SH 99 Grand Parkway project. Grand Parkway Infrastructure LLC (GPI) is hard at work on a portion of the new highway that will total $1.2 billion.
This part of the project will build segments H, I-1 and I-2 of the Grand Parkway, which runs through the northeast of Houston in Harris, Montgomery, Liberty and Chambers counties.
Project Information
The new project will create a ‘highway loop’ which has been dreamed about in Houston for decades. It will span over 180 miles to help with the projected increase in drivers on local highways in the coming years.
The highway will improve connectivity with U.S. 59/ IH 69 N, IH 10 E and SH 146, will feature a two-lane toll-controlled access facility, four new toll lanes and upgraded tolling equipment.
Additionally, work will be done on several bridges as well as the building of retaining walls, drainage systems, embankment work, utility relocation and more.
The project is intended to reduce congestion, ease movement for businesses, workers and families, as well as providing more evacuation routes in the event of a weather emergency.
History & Timeline
GPI was selected for the project on March 28, 2017 with ground being broke on July 26, 2018. GPI consists of three companies, Granite Construction Inc., Webber LLC and Ferrovial Construction. It is estimated that they will have the project completed in the spring of 2022.
Construction Challenges
In September of 2019, Tropical Depression Imelda disposed of more than 30 inches of rain in the construction area, causing a state of disaster.
Layers of embankment were swept away in the storm and there was extensive damage done to equipment. Several sites needed drainage, haul roads were rebuilt, and a crossing needed repairs, causing construction delays.
Construction Stats
- GPI’s crew is working on 70 main lane bridges, two ramp bridges, two frontage road bridges.
- Over 10 million cubic yards of soil have been placed for embankments.
- More than 224 parcels were cleared for construction.
- Utility relocations account for 10 percent of construction costs.
Conclusion
When work is completed on the SH 99 Grand Parkway project in the spring of 2022, it will be the longest highway loop in the United States and will run through seven counties in and around the Greater Houston region. To keep tabs on the project and to get further updates, be sure to click here.
If you are set to begin work on a similar project in Texas and are looking for name-brand construction equipment, we ask that you call on our team at Texas Contractors Equipment. We are proud to serve the state of Texas and all of its construction contractors with high-quality construction equipment attachments for a wide range of machines. Contact us today at 713-776-1212 to learn more.
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